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Longlisted for the CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger 2016.

Finders Keepers is an intelligent, powerful and enthralling read from one of the masters of storytelling. While there are obvious ties to Mr Mercedes and several of the characters return, this could be read without knowledge of the previous novel. Part one introduces Morris and Pete who have developed a love for the written word by a particular author. Morris sets this tale in motion on one particularly violent day in 1978, while Pete starts to forge his link to the chain of events in 2009. Even with the merciless brutality on display, this is subtle, understated and clever writing by the author. Stephen King allows the story to flow and establishes the connection between the two main characters with an astute understanding of humanity. Foreboding circles within circles start to couple together, the tension creeps and lurks and the Finders Keepers detective agency join the action in 2014. Highlighting the elemental power of words and how obsessions can have devastating consequences, this is a penetrating and wonderfully captivating read. ~ Liz Robinson

Synopsis

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

A riveting crime thriller about a reader whose obsession with a reclusive writer goes too far, featuring the same trio of unlikely and winning heroes King introduced in MR MERCEDES. 1978: Morris Bellamy is a reader so obsessed by America's iconic author John Rothstein that he is prepared to kill for a trove of notebooks containing at least one more unpublished novel. 2009: Pete Saubers, a boy whose father was brutally injured by a stolen Mercedes, discovers a buried trunk containing cash and Rothstein's notebooks. 2014: After thirty-five years in prison, Morris is up for parole. And he's hell-bent on recovering his treasure. Now it's up to retired detective Bill Hodges - running an investigative company called 'Finders Keepers' - to rescue Pete from an ever-more deranged and vengeful Morris...Not since Misery has King written with such visceral power about a reader with such a dangerous obsession. Finders Keepers is spectacular suspense, and it is King writing about how literature shapes a life for good, for bad, for ever.

Reviews

'King has the popular novelist's gifts in spades - a flawless sense of pace, an ear for dialogue, an eye for the telling detail, a no-mess-no-fuss approach to characterisation' -- Keith Miller Spectator

'An almost constant build of momentum, growing in pace and tension until it finally explodes... manages to thrill with every page' Guardian

'A classic cat-and-mouse tale, this is King at his rip-roaring best' Mail on Sunday

'Fantastic...In part a love letter to literature, this is vintage King - jaw droppingly brutal but full of heart and humanity. Roll on the last in the trilogy' Sunday Mirror

'A remarkable display of storytelling.' -- John Dugdale Sunday Times

'#It's expertly plotted, a series of pieces falling into place with almost audible satisfaction as the author burns towards his suitably horrific climax.' -- Alison Flood Observer

'This novel is slick, seamlessly crafted, shockingly gory and packed with suspense The Times MR MERCEDES was a terrific thriller, and now there's a sequel. I squeak with glee.' -- Natalie Haynes Independent

'FINDERS KEEPERS is a first-rate crime thriller, but it's also to King's credit that, more than 40 years into his career, he continues to experiment, and his talent, curiosity, and generous, humane spirit show no signs of flagging.' -- John Connolly Irish Independent

About the Author

Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1973, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 40 books and has become one of the world's most successful writers.

Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.

Stephen King received the National Medal of Arts from US President Barack Obama on 10th September 2015. This is the highest award for artists given by the US government. Ahead of the ceremony Stephen King said, “I’m amazed and grateful.” Previous recipients of the National Medal of Arts include Ray Bradbury, John Updike, Philip Roth, Maurice Sendak, Harper Lee and Maya Angelou.